noun
- Plural of mycorrhiza; symbiotic associations between fungal hyphae and plant roots in which the fungus aids nutrient absorption and the plant provides carbohydrates.
Usage: technical/scientific; plural form; singular is mycorrhiza; commonly used in botany, ecology, and soil science
Examples
- Mycorrhizae help plants absorb phosphorus and other minerals from the soil.
- Most trees depend on mycorrhizae to thrive in nutrient-poor environments.
- The fungal networks in mycorrhizae connect multiple plants underground.
- Farmers study mycorrhizae to improve crop health without excessive fertilizer.
- Mycorrhizae are essential for the survival of many forest ecosystems.